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Lynch Memorial Window: A Haunting Reminder of Galway's Past

Commemorating a dark legend of justice and family, the Lynch Memorial Window offers a glimpse into Galway's haunting history and enduring lore.

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The Lynch Memorial Window, located on Market Street, commemorates a dark chapter in Galway's history. Legend claims it marks the spot where Mayor James Lynch FitzStephen hanged his own son in 1493 for murdering a Spanish sailor, embodying a grim tale of justice and familial duty.

A brief summary to Lynch Memorial Window

  • 12-13 Market St, Galway, H91 F660, IE
  • Monday 12 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 am-12 am
  • Thursday 12 am-12 am
  • Friday 12 am-12 am
  • Saturday 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning for a quieter atmosphere and better photo opportunities.
  • Combine your visit with a tour of St. Nicholas' Collegiate Church to fully appreciate the historical context.
  • Explore the nearby shops and cafes to experience the local culture.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Lynch Memorial Window is located at 12-13 Market St, next to St. Nicholas' Collegiate Church. From Eyre Square, walk west along Shop Street, a pedestrian area with shops and cafes. Turn left onto High Street, then right onto Market Street. The window will be on your left.

  • Public Transport

    Take any bus to Galway city center and get off at Eyre Square. From there, it's a 10-minute walk to the Lynch Memorial Window. Head southeast on Eyre Square, turn left onto Shop Street, and then right onto Market Street. The standard bus fare is about €2.70.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available in Galway. A short taxi ride from Eyre Square to the Lynch Memorial Window will cost approximately €9.60, including the base fare and per kilometer charge. Note that fares can vary based on the time of day and traffic conditions.

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Discover more about Lynch Memorial Window

The Lynch Memorial Window stands as a chilling reminder of Galway's past, steeped in legend and historical ambiguity. Located on the side of St. Nicholas' Collegiate Church facing Market Street, the window commemorates a tragic event that allegedly took place in 1493. According to local tradition, James Lynch FitzStephen, the mayor and magistrate of Galway, hanged his own son, Walter, for the murder of a Spanish sailor. The stone facade features a Gothic doorway, a large window (rumored to be from the original Lynch house), and a skull and crossbones, accompanied by an inscription. The inscription reads: “This memorial of the stern and unbending justice of the chief magistrate of this city, James Lynch FitzStephen, elected mayor AD 1493, who condemned and executed his own guilty son, Walter, on this spot, has been restored to its ancient site”. The story, popularized by James Hardiman in his 1820 History of Galway, tells of Walter Lynch, who, driven by jealousy, murdered a Spanish sailor named Pedro, who was also interested in Walter's girlfriend, Agnes. To uphold the law, Mayor Lynch sentenced his son to death and, unable to find an executioner willing to carry out the sentence, hanged Walter himself from the window of their home. This act is said to have given rise to the term "lynching". However, modern historians have questioned the accuracy of Hardiman's account, citing inconsistencies in dates, locations, and motives. Some suggest the story may be a conflation of different events involving the Lynch family or other Galway families. Regardless of its historical accuracy, the Lynch Memorial Window remains a powerful symbol of justice, family, and the enduring legends of Galway.

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